Alright..... I have all of the required files to update the ROM on my new MPX220 to the new 1.43 Cingular ROM. Only thing is, I can't get the USB Driver (smartfon.inf) to install on either of my two computers running Windows XP Pro (with all current updates).

On my Dell desktop, when the phone is plugged into a USB port (and all of this without SIM card or battery installed in the phone), I get the 'bum bum' sound that occurs when you plug a new USB device in (plug and play notification sound). It notifies me that it the device has been installed, then 10 seconds later the sound notifies me that it has been 'unplugged' - then immediately gives the sound notification that I've just plugged a device in - and on and on. So, with this setup, I will not even think about updating ROM when I don't know if the device is constantly connected to my computer.

On my Dell laptop, I get the following error message after installing the driver:"On of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. For assistance in solving this problem, click this message."

So, does anyone have any advice about installing this 'unsigned' USB driver? Or have an update on a one that actually works with Windows XP. I can't believe that many people have updated their ROM's without a stable driver.

Make sure the USB Connection option is unchecked in the Active Sync Connection Settings Tab. Once you do that the computer should see the phone as a new device and seek drivers. Direct the computer to your *.inf. The inf works fine with XP.

Another issue may be your firewall settings - occasionally that will block the connection. Someone with 220 experience may have additional insight if the above doesn't work.

Make sure the USB Connection option is unchecked in the Active Sync Connection Settings Tab. Once you do that the computer should see the phone as a new device and seek drivers. Direct the computer to your *.inf. The inf works fine with XP.

Another issue may be your firewall settings - occasionally that will block the connection. Someone with 220 experience may have additional insight if the above doesn't work.

Thanks for your answer. It doesn't however fact help my situation - so I'll hope that someone with a 220 can chime in. Whether USB connection is checked or not doesn't make any difference. The problem is with windows Device Manager and not with ActiveSync. The computer either does not recognize the device and gives an error balloon that says so, or it continually updates the device manager settings as if one was plugging and unplugging a USB device (about every 10 seconds). And I've tried different USB ports as well (which always seems to me to be an oxymoron - but sometimes makes a difference.

And again - this happens with two different computers. I'm wondering if I should try it with a computer running an older version of windows perhaps. One without - for example - XP SP2 - or Windows 2000

That sounds like a similar problem I had with my old MPx220. In my case, it was a hardware issue. The charge/sync port of the MPx220 can get pretty picky, and you have the put the cable in at the exact right angle for it to stay recognized as a USB device without detaching itself from the PC.

That sounds like a similar problem I had with my old MPx220. In my case, it was a hardware issue. The charge/sync port of the MPx220 can get pretty picky, and you have the put the cable in at the exact right angle for it to stay recognized as a USB device without detaching itself from the PC.

Well - it's not a hardward problem. The cable, whether 'almost' completely plugged into the MPX's port, or fully plugged in so that it 'clicks', doesn't make any difference in Windows XP's treatment of this particular driver. So, I'll have to see if anyone has a better idea, or try different computers in hopes of finding one that accepts this driver.

But, smeg36, you seem like someone who might have opinions on Bluetooth headsets. I just purchased a Motorola H700 (tiny, good aesthetics) and will be returning it (terrible range, noisy, loose volume buttons). So, I just thought I'd pick your brain to see what you thought.

The best possible headset for the money is probably the Plantronics 640. It had great sound quality, decently small size, decent price, and lots of options to fit your ear. The Bluespoon AX2 is pretty good sound quality, very small size, and very good price. I think the Plantronics sounds a little better on the callers end, but the AX2 is a great choice if you want to save some money and like the design better. The JX10 is really small, stylish, and works very well, but is expensive.

Devices: T-Mobile MDA (Cingular SIM), i-mate SP5m (sitting in a drawer at the moment while I attempt to migrate to PPC permanently), Cingular 3125 (unlocked and in use on T-Mobile), Motorola MPx220 (retired), Motorola MPx200 (retired)